The main discussion today on the Sunday news shows was the early presidential primary contests. A new poll released today by the Des Moines Register indicated that Sen. Obama has pulled out to a modest lead in Iowa. That's not surprising. I still believe that Obama is going to get the nomination. I made this prediction on the "Stumps" email list several months ago, to some scorn, I might add. And, I still do not make this statement as an endorsement, just an observation. I think Sen. Obama will be a breath of fresh air compared to our current resident of the White House. But I can't agree with his statements about nuclear and coal energy. We have to get away from coal and nuclear is not a good answer.

I can't believe that the pundits are discussing whether or not Oprah is going to be a positive for Obama. That's like asking whether or not the sun helps plants grow. Of course it is going to help him. And, I believe that, for the moment, she trumps Bill Clinton in star power because she is fresher in the political arena and Bill, while a political rock star of significant magnitude, still carrys a lot of baggage around that Oprah doesn't have.

I thought it was interesting that George Stephanpolous said what I had written back several weeks - that the Iraq was becoming less and less of an issue (although still a big one) in the campaign, as news of the "success" of the "surge" keeps getting touted. Considering that our Mission in Iraq was Accomplished years ago (or so we are told) another round of back slapping at gettin' er done this time should be taken with a serious block of salt, and I think most people think that. The cost of the war when our country is facing so many domestic challenges (not to mention huge budget deficits) isn't getting past people - it's front and center. It will be important in the overall scheme of things, but moreso in how it relates to people's day to day lives.

I think Guiliani is toast. First his blunder recommending Kerick, which isn't going away, and now the questions about who and how bills for security for he and his mistress when he travelled to see her are a one two punch that is going to knock him out. He's done for. Put the fork in him! It's going to probably be Huckabee or McCain. I think Romney is too starched and, for better or worse, the Mormon religion is still considered to somewhat unorthodox, especially by conservative Christians. I just can't see Romney getting it. That doesn't leave a lot.

The pundits are talking about the questions which are arising about Huckabee and how those questions play into his primary pursuits. For example, Huckabee allowed taxes to be raised in Arkansas, and allowed children of undocumented workers to go to school. Gee, what horrible things! I just hope that the public doesn't forget where the Republicans have gotten us and get duped into staying with a Republican president, even a more moderate one on social issues.